The human body goes through many changes from birth to old age. The glands and organs of the endocrine system produce the hormone that trigger different stages of development. The most important period of change is adolescence – the transition from a child to an adult. During this stage of rapid growth, called puberty, the body changes shape and the reproductive system develops. A hormone in the brain triggers puberty, while other hormones regulate functions, such as growth, mood, and sleep.
Once a hormone is secreted in the body, it travels through the bloodstream to target cells designed to receive its message. These target cells have receptors that only attach onto specific hormones, so that each hormone communicates only with specific target cells.
When the hormone reaches its target cell, it locks onto the cell’s specific receptors and these hormone-receptor combinations transmit chemical instructions to the inner parts of the cell. Important body mechanisms exist to maintain the appropriate level of hormone in the blood. Too much or too little of any hormone can be harmful to the body.
Picture Credit : Google